GOING TO BETHLEHEM

LEINSTER LEADER 23  January 1911

GOING TO BETHLEHEM

A carol

Lo! Two weary travellers,

From Nazareth they come;

Joseph and Mary, sweet and fair;

Leaving their own dear home,

In wintry weather, cold and chill,

Obedient to their Father’s Will.

Over the hills to Bethlehem,

In the dark and stormy night,

They find the Inn door closed to them,

No shelter in their plight-

No place to sleep-or kindly voice

To bid them welcome, and rejoice.

With patient steps they wander round,

Seeking a refuge near,

A ruined stable mid the rocks

‘Twas all the shelter there

With a clumsy crib and manger,

An ox and ass rode bound.

So comfortless-so cold-so bare!

On scanty straw for bed;

Pure Mary laid her Baby dear,

No pillow for His head;

Swathed in garments poor and thin,

While cruel breezes blew within.

The Lord of Life and Heaven,

Willed it thus to be;

No friend on Earth to welcome Him,

He chose sad poverty.

With Mary and good Joseph,

In sweet humility.

Then was heard soft music,

Descending from the skies

The wondering Shepherds left their flocks,

To lift their reverent eyes!

A glorious band of Angels bright

Hail this Holy Christmas night.

In heavenly harmonies they sing

Such songs were never heard again

“Glory to God on High, Our King,

“To men on Earth, good news we bring.”

An Infant Saviour born to-day

In a manger laid away.

Forth went the simple shepherds,

To worship and adore,

In haste and wonder do they run,

And open the stable door;

There behold the Child of Mary,

The new born Saviour whom she bore.

The heavens declare His glory,

With marvellous, flaming Star-

Which led the eager Wisemen

From Eastern lands afar,

In living faith-with treasures rare,

They bow the Knee-and worship there.

We, too, will go to Bethlehem,

With joy and grateful love;

Like incense be our praises

To our Father-God above;

Because He sent His own dear Son,

Who glory did resign

To be the Son of Mary dear,

And save us-every one.